The $1,000 check that Ernest Roybal, Jr., Director of Harlingen Operations, United Launch Alliance, presented to Tech Prep Executive Director Pat Bubb and Worksite Learning Specialist Martha Gutierrez, represents the aerospace company’s long-term commitment to STEM education. Given in recognition of what Tech Prep-Rio Grande Valley does by guiding students into courses and pathways for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the donation underscores the important link between business and education.

“ULA’s focus in education is on STEM careers, and that aligns perfectly with the mission of Tech Prep,” said Roybal at the Harlingen facility which has been making Atlas launch vehicles for almost 25 years.

“Tech Prep’s success in helping increase graduation rates and directing rising numbers to pursue STEM careers at the college level, giving young people better opportunities. We are all on the same path and excited to help Tech Prep,” Roybal said. In the long term, he hopes skilled STEM graduates will come to work at ULA.

The ULA check, which has become a tradition, will be used to support Tech Prep’s STEM initiatives in the Harlingen community and other parts of the Valley. ULA is committed to helping Rio Grande Valley educators and students learn more about the opportunities available in engineering, rocket design, and other STEM careers.